Republicans host candidates’ forum

Donley County Republicans hosted their local candidates last Thursday in a forum at the Bairfield Activity Center. Seven Republicans running for county offices participated in the event organized by party county chairman Bill Word.

County Judge John Howard, who is unopposed for a second term in office, was the first candidate up to speak. He outlined the duties of his office, praised local emergency responders, and said he and other county officials are doing what they can to meet the county’s needs.

County Treasurer Wanda Smith spoke briefly about her time in office, starting in the tax office in 1975 and now serving in her current capacity since 2005.

Precinct 2 commissioner candidate Randy Bond said he has spent 41 years in law enforcement and he is ready for a change to spend more time with his kids.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Daniel Ford said he has spent his entire life living in his precinct except for four years in the Army. He said his first term in office has been exciting due to the agreements the county has reached with wind energy companies.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Dan Sawyer, who is running unopposed, said the county is in a much better standing now than when he first took office eight years ago. He said the present commissioners’ court is open-minded and working for the future of the residents of the county.

Sawyer said road maintenance is a small part of a commissioner’s job but the one that gets the most judgement. He discussed other commissioner duties, such as responding to grass fires and overseeing the business of the county.

Also running unopposed, Precinct 1&2 Justice of the Peace Pam Mason said she has learned her job through hands-on training and has enjoyed her time in office.

Precinct 3&4 Justice of the Peace Denise Bertrand said she is in her seventh year in office and spoke on the wide range of responsibilities of the JP’s office, covering everything from Class C misdemeanors, magistrate work, evictions, small claims, and inquests. She said she hopes to continue to serve and praised the efforts of the commissioners’ court to develop a new JP office building in Hedley.

Bertrand’s opponent, Pat White, was unable to attend the forum due to illness but Chairman Word read a prepared statement from her. She wrote that she wants to help the county and uphold the law while being honest, compassionate, and firm.

Bobby Woodard, candidate for county/district clerk, did not attend Thursday’s forum. He is unopposed in the primary and will face Democrat incumbent Fay Vargas in the fall.